NGIN Leads the Discussion on Creating an Open, Empowering and Inclusive Workplace During Dive In Fes

NGIN passionately believes in the future of the Insurance industry and for a number of years has supported Dive In Festival. Not many people realise, but young people working in the market are an underrepresented demographic: the Insurance Census 2017 states the average age for the insurance sector is 39 (up from 36½ in 2015) and young people represent just 10% of the workforce. For colleagues from all kinds of diverse backgrounds the numbers are similarly low. Added to this, the cost of talent for most organisations is between 40%-80% of the total operating costs and leaders want to ensure that they optimise individual’s contributions. Research indicates that teams and organisations that prioritise inclusion attract better talent and perform better. However, the “nuts and bolts” of daily inclusive behaviour and culture can remain a challenge for many organisations. NGIN was pleased to facilitate a panel debate about being part of the team, looking at how to empower teams to work better together. We were joined by a highly experienced panel from across the industry: Dr Julie Humphreys, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, EMEA for AIG; Katie Maycock, Client Proposition Leader & Co-Chair of Balance Colleague Resource Group and Andrew Sellers, Hiscox Partner and Group Head of Claims Supplier Management. The debate was introduced by Greg Collins, CEO of Miller and facilitated by Benjamin Hindson, NGIN Chair. In a full room of over 140 people, the panel shared some of the initiatives which each of their organisations were undertaking to promote inclusive behaviours and how they are working to fulfil the Inclusive Behaviours in Insurance pledge. There was some debate around who in an organisation should be accountable for inclusive behaviours and what infrastructure is needed to promote a culture of belonging and intersectionality. As insurance is a client-driven industry, the panel explored how teams need to be inclusive to reflect their clients and provide authentic and open dialogue. The panel was then asked to share some top tips which audience members could take back to their own organisations. Some the highlights were: be good to people, be authentic and empower teams to play to their strengths. We’d like to thank Millers for hosting us in such a fantastic venue, our brilliant panellists and Dive In for supporting the event. NGIN was delighted to facilitate this important debate and take part in many of the other events across the festival. It is #time4inclusion in insurance and NGIN is ready to play its part!